"Viper, you are more than my clan chief, you are my friend. If you find yourself in need, I want your promise you will call me."
"And have the Phoenix angry that I put you in danger?" Viper gave a lift of his brows. "I am not entirely stupid."
"No one is more conscious of the debt owed to you than Abby. She will use her own powers if it will keep you safe."
"And considerable powers they are."
Dante's grip tightened. "You will call?"
Viper paused before giving a reluctant nod of his head. Dante was almost as stubborn as himself. He would not leave until he had a promise.
"I will call."
Dante stepped back and offered a surprising bow. "Our pledge is made, master." He straightened, a wicked twinkle in the silver eyes. "Be sure and give your demon a kiss for me and Abby."
A flare of warmth swept through Viper's heart. "Oh no, my friend. When I kiss Shay I assure you it will not be for you."
With a laugh, Dante turned and with one great leap he had disappeared through the window. Left on his own Viper poured himself a large measure of brandy and paced the room.
His friend had spoken the truth.
Shay was being pursued by an enemy that might endanger his very existence. The wisdom he had earned over centuries should have him tossing her and her damnable amulet in the nearest river.
What could possibly be worth the risk of death? And, worse, the deaths of his clansmen?
He sipped the warmed brandy knowing that the answer to his questions might be more frightening than any lurking demon.
It was nearly two hours later when Viper slowly climbed the steps that led to the second floor.
It had been two hours of hell as he had tried to distract his thoughts from the beautiful woman who filled the entire house with her sweet scent
He had tried searching his library for clues as to the demon that had attacked the trolls. He had called his various businesses to ensure there had been no unexpected problems. He had even made a swift inspection of the grounds to speak with his guards and assure himself that all was quiet.
At last he could deny the pounding need within him no longer.
He wanted to see Shay.
To hear her voice and touch her soft skin.
To just be near her.
It was downright pathetic.
Reaching the landing Viper paused as he regarded the small gargoyle curled on the floor next to Shay's door. Obviously the temperamental beast was playing guardian. A thought that might have been humorous if Viper wasn't well aware that love and loyalty counted far more than any amount of strength.
He would rather battle a fierce warrior than a friend protecting his comrade.
Someone willing to die for another made him a dangerous enemy indeed.
Moving forward Viper watched as the gargoyle scrambled to his feet and leaned against the wall in a negligent manner. He might not possess the size of most gargoyles but he had all of their towering pride.
Strolling forward Viper halted directly before Levet. Oddly he didn't feel the expected flare of annoyance at the intrusion of this uninvited guest. Instead he felt something closely akin to respect. Perhaps because he had revealed that Shay's welfare was as important to him as it was to Viper.
"There are any number of fine bedrooms," he murmured. "Most of which I am certain would be more comfortable for a gargoyle than this hallway."
"I will seek a room when dawn arrives. Until then I will remain here."
"Ah. You are on sentry duty?"